Is Pickleball Good Exercise?

Pickleball is a game that’s been around since the 1960s. That long history surprises many people who only recently learned about it. The name reportedly comes from the term “pickle boat,” which is used in rowing to refer to a boat with a mismatched crew made up of leftovers from other boats — the connection being that pickleball uses a collection of elements of different games like tennis, badminton, and ping pong.

Today, interest in pickleball is skyrocketing, with new courts and leagues popping up everywhere. If you’ve never played, you might wonder whether pickleball would be a good exercise for you.

This article answers that question from different angles. Is pickleball good exercise for seniors? Can playing pickleball help you lose weight? Is pickleball aerobic or anaerobic exercise? Read on to find out.

Can Seniors Play Pickleball?

Talking with your doctor before starting a new sport or exercise program is essential. However, pickleball is a great game for seniors if you don’t have health concerns that keep you off the court. It provides a good workout but is played in a relatively small area and doesn’t have to be overly taxing.

Some of the benefits of playing pickleball include:

• Improved heart health: Elevating your heart and breathing rate to a reasonable level on a regular basis is good for your heart and lungs.
• Enhanced coordination and balance: The forward/backward and side-to-side movements required in pickleball help develop and maintain good coordination and balance. Mastering the quick reactions and hand-eye coordination needed to make shots is also beneficial.
• Improved brain health: Regular physical activity like pickleball can help you remember facts and process information better.
• Enhanced bone and muscle health: Playing pickleball can tone muscles and strengthen bones, helping prevent osteoporosis.
• Increased social interaction: The pickleball community is very welcoming, and connecting with others is good for your overall mental health.

Is Pickleball Good for Weight Loss?

Playing pickleball can be helpful for those trying to lose weight. It’s most beneficial when combined with dietary changes. The recommendation to talk with your doctor before taking up a new sport applies in this case, too.

The frequency, duration, and intensity of your pickleball sessions will affect the benefit you get from playing, but any time spent on a pickleball court is better than being inactive.

Is Pickleball Aerobic or Anaerobic Exercise?

If you’re wondering whether pickleball is an aerobic or anaerobic activity, the short answer is that it’s both. The game’s continuous movement helps with aerobic fitness (meaning it benefits your heart and lungs), while the short bursts of energy help build or maintain muscle mass and improve bone density.

Give Pickleball a Try!

Pickleball is a fun sport for people of all ages and abilities. If you’re curious about it, you should give it a try. You can probably find a court nearby and some friends to join you. It’s a low-cost activity, given all you need is a paddle and a ball, and many facilities with pickleball courts have equipment you can use.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about whether pickleball would be a good activity for you. If you don’t have a Baptist Health provider, you can find one in our online provider directory.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Learn More About Sports Medicine at Baptist Health
Pickleball Injuries
Starting an Exercise Program? Avoid These 7 Mistakes
Low Impact Cardio or HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training): What’s Right for You?